Silver Owls' Hoot to feature champion whistler, gift exchange, Nov. 30

Begin your holiday celebrations early this year with the Silver Owls' Hoot Holiday Happening at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the National Press Cub.

Silver Owls, folks who have been members of the Club for 25 years or longer, are converting their traditional Fall Hoot into a gala party celebrating the beginning of the holiday season.

The Holiday Hoot promises to be a memorable evening of entertainment, fun, surprises, and good fellowship. Headlining the entertainment will be Chris Ullman, "the Happy Whistler," a four-time international whistling champion, who has entertained a number of world leaders, including a performance in the Oval Office for President George W. Bush.

Ullman previously served as chief spokesman for the White House Office of Management and Budget. He currently serves as Managing Director and Director of Global Communications for the Carlyle Group, one of the world's largest and most successful investment firms.

Ullman's musical repertoire is extensive and amazing. He is equally at home whistling a Broadway tune as he is performing a Strauss Waltz or a Beethoven Symphony. He also has whistled the National Anthem at numerous professional sporting events, including Washington Nationals games.

There will be an expansive and extensive array of heavy hors d'oeuvres. The Club staff promises no one will go home hungry. There will be a cash bar. Tables will be scattered throughout the ballroom for eating, drinking and socializing.

The Holiday Happening will introduce a "Give a Gift, Get a Gift" exchange.

Men should bring gifts for men and women for women. Either buy something for around $10 or, if you have something you're not quite sure what to do with but think someone else might enjoy, bring it.

When you arrive at the Hoot, drop your wrapped gift at the gift table. You will receive a ticket, which you will later use to exchange for a treasure someone else brought.

The Hoot Holiday Happening is open to all Club members and their guests for $35 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on the Club's web site, press.org, or by telephone, 202-662-7501.